San Jose Sharks’ Joe Pavelski Just Keeps Getting Better

Ever since being drafted 205th overall in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Draft, San Jose Sharks centerman

has shown nothing but consistent improvement in his game. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since being drafted 205th overall in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Draft, San Jose Sharks centerman Joe Pavelski has shown nothing but consistent improvement in his game. Time and time, he’s shown how smart he is on and off the puck and his clutch abilities, thus earning him the nickname “The Big Pavelski”.

This season has been no different. As a matter of fact, the Big Pavelski has exceeded expectations on the ice and score sheet.

Of the 39 goals he’s scored so far — third in the league — three of them have been hat tricks (vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, and Edmonton Oilers) and 15 have been on the power play (ranking him second in the League for most goals scored on the man-advantage). On top of all that, he also ranks eighth overall in points with 76.

You’ve got to ask yourself, “How did he get all those points?”

Again, he knows what to do on and off the puck. He reads plays so well and is such a great versatile player who can work well on both ends of the ice. When he gets to the net, he works hard to get on the puck and has great positioning not to mention also having a great set of hands (and feet), and he makes the line mates better.

Of course, the guys he plays with are huge contributing factors to his game (namely Joe Thornton), but over the years he has definitely been a very positive asset for the Sharks, especially this season.